Student ENGAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP
WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE
HOSPITALITY LEADERSHIP CLUB
HOSPITALITY WEEK & CAMPUS ENGAGEMENT
Leadership at Kennesaw State Univer - sity’s Hospitality Management pro - gram is not theoretical. It is practiced daily through experiences that mirror the pace, complexity, and expecta - tions of the industry itself. From their earliest semesters, students are immersed in opportunities that extend well beyond the classroom. Professional organizations, nation- al competitions, campus events, and community outreach form a living laboratory where leadership, team - work, and service come to life. These experiences are central to the pro- gram’s mission and to the confidence graduates carry into their careers.
The Hospitality Leadership Club serves as the heartbeat of student life within the program. Founded in response to the strong early interest in the major, the organization has be- come a central hub for professional development, networking, and peer leadership. Through the club, students plan events, host industry speakers, and create meaningful connections across the hospitality community. Officers work closely with faculty, providing student insight that helps shape programming, events, and ex- periential learning opportunities. For many students, serving in the Hospitality Leadership Club is their first exposure to leadership roles that mirror real-world management responsibilities.
Each spring, the Hospitality Man - agement program hosts Hospitality Week, a signature celebration that brings hospitality to life across cam - pus. The week features executive pan - els, student showcases, cultural expe - riences, and networking events that highlight the breadth of the industry. Hospitality Week is more than a cel - ebration. It is a hands-on learning experience where students design, plan, and execute a multi-day event, gaining practical experience in event management, guest experience, and operations. Participation regularly extends beyond hospitality majors, drawing interest from across the uni - versity and reinforcing the program’s visibility and impact.
NATIONAL COMPETITIONS & RECOGNITION
COMMUNITY OUTREACH & TALENT DEVELOPMENT Leadership in hospitality includes service. Students actively participate in outreach efforts that support the next generation of hospitality profes - sionals, including involvement with high school hospitality programs and ProStart competitions. By mentoring younger students and representing KSU in recruitment ef - forts, hospitality majors strengthen the talent pipeline while reinforcing their own professional knowledge.
“There are so many events that were put on by the Hospitality Management Program that I was able to experience in my college career that have benefited me in my professional career...and i have made a numerous amount of connections that I will be able to use years down the road.” Camryn Ferranti, Class of 2023, Convention Services Office Manager - Omni Atlanta at Centennial Park
KSU hospitality students have distinguished themselves on the national stage. A defining moment came at the AAHOA Hotel Turn - around Collegiate Championship, where Kennesaw State students earned the People’s Choice Award for their innovative approach to solving real-world hospitality challenges. Competitions like this place stu- dents in high-pressure environments that demand strategic thinking, fi - nancial acumen, and collaboration. Participation reinforces classroom learning while building confidence and credibility with industry leaders.
LEADERSHIP BUILT THROUGH EXPERIENCE
Across clubs, competitions, events, and service, one theme is constant: students are not passive participants. Leadership is developed through experience, responsibility, and re - al-world application. These out-of-classroom experiences develop skills that cannot be taught through lectures alone. Communica- tion, judgment, adaptability, and con - fidence are shaped through practice, reflection, and responsibility.
100% of students gain real-world experience through internships or part time roles.
98% of Alumni have a job in hand at graduation.
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